Zelma Peltier, age 93, of Dunseith, ND passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 17, 2025 at Rolette Community Care Center, Rolette, ND.

Zelma Genevieve (Laverdure) Peltier was born on February 12, 1932 to William and Delima (Delonais) Laverdure in Belcourt, ND, the eldest of six children.  She attended Turtle Mountain Community School and St. Ann's School.  After completing eighth grade at St. Ann's, she received a scholarship to the Academy Immaculate Conception at Ferdinand, Indiana. Zelma entered the Sisters of St. Benedict Convent at Ferdinand in 1950.  She became a teacher.  Her teaching assignments included schools in Evansville, Columbus, and Indianapolis, Indiana.  In 1964, Zelma was sent to Cali, Columbia to teach and work in a parish center there.

At the end of 1969, Zelma returned home, attended graduate school, studying linguistics and anthropology.  On January 7, 1972, Zelma was united in marriage to Francis J. Peliter (a career marine).  They transferred to Camp Pendelton in Oceanside, CA, where Francis retired on December 31, 1975.  Upon retirement they returned to Belcourt for a short time then relocated to Aberdeen, SD. Once in Aberdeen, Zelma served in federal programs and education and Francis served in the area safety office.  In 1981, they returned to Belcourt.  Francis died on October 18, 1990.  Zelma continued to live and work in Belcourt, teaching at the elementary, middle, and high school as well as at Ojibwa and Turtle Mountain Community College.

Zelma enjoyed traveling, traveled to many different countries, and learned many languages.  She loved her life as a teacher and loved teaching children. Zelma was loved by many in return.  She will be lovingly remembered and greatly missed.

Zelma is survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Bernice (Harvey) Smith of Belcourt; brother and sister-in-law, Duane and Sharon Henry of Belcourt; and many nieces and nephews.

Zelma was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and siblings, Alice Henry, Shirley (Paul) Morin, Richard Laverdure, and Billy Laverdure.

Urn Bearers are Crystal Bowlby and Bobbie M. Lattergrass. Honorary Bearers are all Rolette Community Care Center staff.  Eulogy by LaRae Schindler.  Rosary by Gail Trottier.  Readers are Gail Trottier, TJ Parisien, and Keyera LaRocque.  Eucharistic Gifts by Carla Parisien and Jerry Joe Allery.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM on Friday, August 1, 2025 at St. Ann's Catholic Church, Belcourt, ND with a Rosary Service/Eulogy at 9:00 AM prior to the funeral mass.  Burial will follow at St. Ann's Catholic Cemetery, Belcourt, ND. Father Sam Medley, Father Pedro Ndunguru, and Father Frank Miller presiding. A meal will follow services at Fiddler's Hall, Belcourt, ND.

Elick Funeral Home, Rolla, ND.